The Google Play Edition is a set of handsets that come with their own style of pure Android ROM rather than the traditional ones. That does not mean they cannot be updated to the latest jelly Bean as the rest, however.

If you have the Google Play Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and recently updated it to the 4.3 Jelly Bean then this is a guide for you to obtain root access.

This method will be using the CF Auto root tool which was made by developer Chain Fire. We like using the auto root tool above all else. It gives users as close to a stock experience as possible. Many people, like us, like to feel the authenticity of the product while opening it up at the same time and we find this is the perfect way to achieve that.

Checklist

Following this guide will void the devices existing warranty. It includes any extended warranty you may have paid for when purchasing it. The amusing thing is that it can be under warranty properly again if you revoke the root at a later date. The store will never know and the handset will be left without any trace of this happening.

Always backup the data and personal settings by using the internal storage or the SD card. It does not matter how you do it, but we recommend backing up the data in case it goes missing during the produce. With that being said, we do not expect it go missing.

We make this guide with good intentions and do our best to provide correct and good information for everybody to use. However, we cannot be held liable for any damages that may take place to your device by following the guide we provide. Following it is done on your own accord.

Enable USB Debugging mode on the device by visiting the Developer options. If Develop Options is not unlocked go to Settings > About Phone and tap on the build number seven times until it is unlocked. It will let you know how many presses are remaining when you do it so do not worry if you forget what number you are up to.

Make sure you have up to date USB drivers.

How To Root The Google Play Edition of The Samsung Galaxy S4 on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

4. Run ODIN and plug your Galaxy S4 into the computer. Look for it to be recognized. If it isn’t, there’s two things that can go wrong here. Either the incorrect USB drivers or you aren’t running ODIN as an admin.

5. From inside ODIN click on the PDA button and upload the CF-Auto-Root-jgedlte-jgedlteue-gti9505g.tar.md5 file.

6. Check the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time boxes with a mark so that they are selected. Uncheck the re-partition box so that it is not checked.

7. Press start to start the flashing. It will reboot itself and you should see a pass message inside ODIN. That’s when you know you’re finished and you can unplug everything.

8. Disconnect the handset from the computer properly to avoid any corrupt data. Click the “safely remove hardware” icon in the taskbar and select the device you want stopped. Wait until it says it is now safe to remove before continuing. Now unplug the USB cable from the computer ad handset.